Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, then these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are just what you need! The moment you take a bite, you’ll experience a soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. They are perfect for cozy evenings at home or festive gatherings with family and friends. This recipe is not only easy to whip up but also brings a warm, nostalgic feeling that makes it a favorite in my kitchen.

These cookies are a lovely way to enjoy the flavors of pumpkin spice and cream cheese, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a Saturday afternoon baking session, this recipe fits right in. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the sweet taste of pumpkin cookies topped with creamy frosting—perfect for all ages!
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—be it holiday parties or casual get-togethers. They always impress!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese is simply irresistible. Each bite is packed with warmth and sweetness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create the most delightful cookies. Let’s gather everything we need:

For the Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (305 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 8 ounces (226 g) block-style cream cheese (softened but still cool)
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (210 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy trying:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness. They pair wonderfully with pumpkin.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Spiced Up: Experiment by adding different spices such as nutmeg or ginger to elevate the flavor profile.
• Frosting Flavors: Try using flavored extracts like almond or maple in your cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. This step is crucial as it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about three minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that desired softness.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined. Scraping down the sides of your bowl ensures everything is well incorporated! Then gradually add your flour mixture until just combined. Remember not to overmix; we want those cookies tender!

Step 5: Scoop the Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Be sure to space them about two inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake your cookies at 350° F for about 13 to 15 minutes or until their edges are set while remaining soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps maintain their fluffiness!

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool down, let’s whip up that delicious frosting! Beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—about thirty seconds will do it! Then add vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again until combined.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once your pumpkin cookies are completely cooled, use an offset spatula or knife to generously frost each one with cream cheese frosting. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds an extra touch of flavor!

And there you have it—delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that are sure to become a favorite! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and a few helpful tips will ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and frosting.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents your cookies from becoming tough. Remember, a little bit of flour showing is perfectly fine!

• Check for doneness carefully: Since these cookies are soft and fluffy, they may look underbaked when they’re actually done. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing your cookies to cool completely ensures the frosting doesn’t melt off. This way, you’ll achieve that perfect creamy layer on top!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for an extra flavor boost. It can elevate your pumpkin cookies to new heights of deliciousness!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving these pumpkin cookies can be as fun as baking them! With their vibrant color and creamy frosting, they make for a delightful treat any time of year.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds visual appeal and enhances the warm flavors.
• Chopped nuts: Adding crushed walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting provides a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This seasonal drink pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors, creating a cozy combination perfect for fall gatherings.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies adds a creamy contrast and makes for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling some caramel sauce over the frosted cookies offers a sweet twist that elevates their taste even further.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies and brings a burst of color to your dessert table.

Enjoy sharing these pumpkin cookies with family and friends; they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them fresh throughout the week. Their soft texture and delightful flavor make them a go-to treat for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, place cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.
• Transfer frozen cookies to airtight freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, preheat your oven to 350° F.
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and slightly warm.
• Alternatively, use the microwave: heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting!

Can I use fresh pumpkin for these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well-cooked and blended until smooth. It should be thick enough to give your cookies that delicious moisture without making the batter too runny.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are done baking?

Your cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking!

Can I substitute gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly, but they should still be delicious!

What can I use instead of cream cheese for frosting?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cream cheese or even whipped coconut cream as a frosting alternative. Just ensure it’s well-sweetened to balance out the flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! They are not just a treat; they bring warmth and comfort that is perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Enjoy every bite as they melt in your mouth, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!